Thousands of bank employees staged protests across various branches today, reiterating their demand for the introduction of a 5-day work week in the banking industry. The protest, led by Vishal Verma, President of AIBOC, and Rajesh Mehta, Secretary of AIBOC, took place in Jammu.
Organized under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which includes AIBOC, AIBEA, NCBE, BEFI, INBEC, INBOC, NOBW, and NOBO, the demonstrators voiced their concerns over key issues impacting both customer service and employee welfare.
Union leaders highlighted that during the March 2024 Bipartite Settlement and Joint Note, an agreement was made between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the unions to implement a 5-day work week. A formal recommendation was forwarded to the Government for approval, but nearly a year has passed with no action taken.
“Given the availability of 24×7 digital banking services and the fact that most government and corporate offices operate five days a week, it’s time for the banking sector to follow suit,” said a UFBU spokesperson.
Protestors also called for permanent recruitment across all levels to reduce the workload on existing staff, ensuring better customer service and operational efficiency. Additional concerns were raised regarding staff shortages, transparent promotion and transfer policies, employee welfare, and opposition to unfair labor practices and further privatization within the sector.
Union leaders warned that if their demands are not addressed, protests will intensify in the coming weeks.
